Staphylococcus aureus and frequency therapy

**Lexicon entry: Staphylococcus aureus** **Definition:** *Staphylococcus aureus* is a Gram-positive, spherical bacterium commonly found on the skin and mucous membranes of humans. It is known for its ability to cause a variety of infections, ranging from mild skin infections to severe, life-threatening illnesses. **Properties:** - **Appearance:** *Staphylococcus aureus* appears under the microscope as a grape-like arrangement of cocci. - **Pigment:** It produces a characteristic golden yellow pigment that gives it its name "aureus" (Latin for "golden"). - **Toxin production:** The bacterium can produce various toxins and enzymes that increase its virulence. **Infections:** *Staphylococcus aureus* can cause a variety of infections, including: - **Skin infections:** Abscesses, boils, impetigo and cellulitis. - **Respiratory infections:** pneumonia, especially in immunocompromised individuals. - **Bone and joint infections:** osteomyelitis and septic arthritis. - **Endocarditis:** infection of the inner lining of the heart, especially in individuals with valvular heart disease. - **Food poisoning:** Due to the consumption of food contaminated with staphylococcal enterotoxins. - **Toxic shock syndrome:** A rare but serious disease caused by toxins. **Antibiotic resistance:** - **Methicillin-resistant *Staphylococcus aureus* (MRSA):** A form of *S. aureus* that is resistant to many common antibiotics, making treatment difficult. **Transmission:** - **Direct contact:** Transmission through skin-to-skin contact with an infected person. - **Indirect contact:** Transmission through contact with contaminated surfaces or objects. **Diagnosis:** The diagnosis is made by microbiological cultures of samples from infected areas, such as skin, blood or respiratory secretions. **Treatment:** - **Antibiotics:** The choice of antibiotic depends on the sensitivity of the bacterial strain. Special antibiotics such as vancomycin may be required for MRSA infections. - **Surgical interventions:** In some cases, drainage of abscesses or surgical removal of infected tissue may be necessary. **Prevention:** - Good hygiene practices, such as regular hand washing and disinfection of wounds. - Avoid sharing personal items such as towels or razors. - In hospitals: Strict adherence to the rules of hygiene In hospitals: Strict adherence to infection control measures to prevent the spread of MRSA. **Worth knowing:** - *Staphylococcus aureus* is a common component of normal skin flora, but can opportunistically cause infections. - MRSA is a significant problem in hospitals and care facilities, but can also occur in the community. **Research:** Research on *Staphylococcus aureus* focuses on the development of new antibiotics and vaccines, the mechanisms of antibiotic resistance and the improvement of infection control strategies.